Portion Capsule and Method for Producing a Beverage By Means of a Portion Capsule

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body, which has a capsule bottom and a lid, wherein a cavity for accommodating a powdery or liquid beverage substrate or food substrate is formed between the capsule bottom and the lid and wherein a filler element is arranged in the cavity. The invention further relates to a method for producing a portion capsule and a method for producing a beverage.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a cover, wherein a cavity for accommodating a beverage or foodstuff base is formed between the capsule base and the cover. The present invention further relates to a method for producing a portion capsule, and also to the use of the portion capsule for producing a beverage.

Portion capsules of this kind are generally known from the prior art. By way of example, documents EP 1792850 B1, EP 1344722 A1, WO 2012/038063 A1 and US 2003/0172813 A1 disclose portion capsules of this generic type for preparing coffee and espresso.

Portion capsules of this kind for producing a beverage or a foodstuff are preferably in the form of a truncated cone or cylinder and are produced, for example, from a thermoformed plastic film or using a plastic injection-molding process. Said portion capsules usually have a preferably closed capsule base and an open filling side with a collar edge onto which a cover film or foil, for example, is sealed or adhesively bonded after the cavity of the portion capsule has been filled with a granulated, pulverulent beverage or foodstuff base.

For the purpose of preparing a beverage or the foodstuff, for example a coffee beverage, the portion capsule is inserted into a brewing chamber of a preparation appliance. After or during the process of closing the brewing chamber, the capsule is preferably opened on its closed base side by means of an opening mandrel which is arranged in the brewing chamber, and, after the brewing chamber is sealed off, the filling side of the portion capsule, which filling side is closed by a cover film or foil, is preferably tapped by means of at least one puncturing means. However, portion capsules which are already open on at least one side before being inserted into the preparation appliance are also available. Preparation liquid, preferably hot water, is then delivered into the portion capsule under pressure. The preparation liquid flows through the beverage or foodstuff base and extracts and/or dissolves the substances, which are required for producing the beverage, from the beverage or foodstuff base.

One disadvantage of the prior art is that the filter elements are often blocked by the granulated beverage or foodstuff base and/or the flavor of the resulting beverage is too “thin”, in particular if the aim is to produce beverages with a comparatively large volume, for example 0.300 ml.

The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a portion capsule having a filter element, which portion capsule does not exhibit the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a cover, wherein a cavity in which a particulate beverage or foodstuff base is provided is located between the capsule base and the cover, wherein the beverage or foodstuff base comprises a carrier substance, which is preferably to be extracted, and a soluble component.

The statements made in respect of this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subjects of the present invention, and vice versa. Features of this subject matter of the present invention can be combined with the features of other subjects.

Within the meaning of the invention, “particulate” means that the beverage or foodstuff base is present in individual particles or conglomerates of individual particles. At least some of these individual particles have a different particle size in general. The individual particles can adhere to one another.

According to the invention, the particulate beverage or foodstuff base consists of two components. One of these components is a carrier substance, which is preferably to be extracted, in particular coffee powder, which is used, for example, to produce coffee, espresso or the like. As, for example, hot water flows through the portion capsule, substances, for example flavor substances, are extracted and/or desorbed from this carrier substance which is to be extracted. However, the carrier substance can also be another, in particular dry, foodstuff, for example dried vegetables and/or meat. If the carrier substance is a coffee powder, the particle size distribution is preferably between 200 and 650 μm, particularly preferably between 280 and 600 μm. The average particle diameter is preferably between 300-550 μm. The second component is a soluble component which dissolves at least partially, preferably completely, as, for example, hot water flows through the portion capsule. In particular, the second component is an instant product, for example instant coffee and/or instant milk or instant soup. The instant product can be produced, for example, by freeze-drying or in any other way which is familiar to a person skilled in the art. The proportion by weight of the second, soluble component is preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the base. The coffee powder and the soluble coffee are preferably provided in a weight ratio of 10:1-10:3. The particle size distribution of the soluble coffee is particularly preferably less than the particle size distribution of the coffee powder. As a result, the soluble coffee can be arranged in the intermediate spaces between particles of the coffee powder, and therefore very tight packing results.

The two components can be provided in a manner mixed with one another or at least partially layered in the portion capsule.

The proportion by volume of the carrier substance to the soluble component in the total volume of the particulate beverage or foodstuff base is preferably 1-99% by volume, particularly preferably 10-90% by volume and even more preferably 20-80% by volume and most preferably 30-70% by volume.

The portion capsule according to the invention can be used to produce, for example, a coffee beverage with or without crema or a coffee beverage with milk, wherein only a single portion capsule has to be used for producing said beverage. The portion capsule according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing beverages with a large volume using a single portion capsule, for example coffee beverages with a volume of between 170 and 300 ml. Preferably 200-300 ml. Furthermore, a soup which contains solids particles in the resulting product can be produced using the portion capsule according to the invention.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the portion capsule comprises a preferably hermetically sealed portion capsule. This means that the beverage or foodstuff base, for example coffee powder, soup powder or tea which is contained in the portion capsule, is closed off in a substantially aroma-tight manner from the surrounding area prior to the extraction process. However, the portion capsule does not have to be hermetically sealed, but rather can also be provided in a hermetically sealed package before it is used, said package then being, for example, manually opened. Portion capsules of this kind are generally open on at least one, preferably two, sides, that is to say preparation liquid can flow through said portion capsules of this kind without said portion capsules being tapped.

The portion capsule according to the invention is selectively provided with or without a filter element. If no filter element is provided, the carrier substance is at least partially washed out of the portion capsule and is then contained in the beverage or foodstuff which is to be produced.

The filter element is preferably arranged between the beverage or foodstuff base and the capsule base and is supported on said capsule base. These filter elements are either injection molded from a thermoplastic or thermoformed from a plastic film or stamped or produced from a woven or nonwoven fiber and/or yarn material and at least partially prevent particles of the beverage or foodstuff base from entering the beverage which is to be produced.

The nonwoven fiber material is preferably a web. Within the meaning of the invention, a web is an unordered, nonwoven structure comprising fibers, in particular plastic fibers. A web preferably does not contain any paper or paper-like materials within the meaning of the invention.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the web to comprise a web material which is produced from fine plastic fibers, for example fine polyester fibers, and which is, in particular, a random-fiber and/or fiber-oriented web material. The web preferably has a mass per unit area (also called grammage or basis weight) of between 40 and 200 grams per square meter, particularly preferably of between 60 and 80 grams per square meter, and very particularly preferably of substantially 70 grams per square meter. The filter element or the web preferably has a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeters, particularly preferably of between 0.3 and 0.35 millimeters, and very particularly preferably of substantially 0.32 millimeters. The web is formed in such a way that the air permeability of the web is preferably between 1000 and 3000 l/(m²s), particularly preferably between 1500 and 2500 l/(m²s), and very particularly preferably substantially 2000 l/(m²s) at 100 pascal. It has surprisingly and unforeseeably been found that optimum results in terms of extraction efficiency, mixing and outflow behavior and also blockage resistance can be achieved with web materials of this kind and that the “crema” is formed in spite of this.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nonwoven fiber material has a felt structure. Said felt structure is, in particular, a needle felt structure. The fiber material preferably comprises at least one felt structure and a carrier structure, in particular a woven structure, wherein the felt structure, at least a subsection of the volume of said felt structure, particularly preferably comprises the carrier structure. The felt structure preferably extends over the entire cross section of the carrier structure, but particularly preferably only over a subregion of the height. The felt structure is preferably connected to the carrier structure in an interlocking, force-fitting and/or cohesive manner. The fiber material preferably has two or more felt structures which are preferably separated from one another by the carrier structure. The thickness of the two felt structures can be the same or different. A felt structure which faces the powder or tea is preferably thinner than the felt structure which faces the capsule base, or vice versa. The surface of the felt structure is preferably treated, for example heat-treated, in order to fix, for example, loose fibers. The filter element which has a felt structure is preferably only inserted into the capsule, in particular onto the base thereof. However, the filter element can also be connected to the capsule, in particular to the base thereof, in particular in a cohesive manner. During perforation, the perforation means can enter this filter element. A plurality of filter elements, which have one or more felt structures and a carrier structure, are preferably arranged one above the other in the capsule, possibly in a manner connected to one another.

A fiber material which has a carrier structure, in particular a woven structure, and a felt structure is produced, for example, by a woven structure comprising longitudinal and transverse threads being provided. In order to construct a felt, in particular a needle felt, fiber units of 0.8-7 dtex are preferably selected. The individual fibers are connected to one another to form a felt and/or are anchored in the carrier structure preferably by the needling production process. In this case, needles with inverse barbs are inserted into and pulled out of the prelaid fiber packet at high speed. On account of the inverse barbs, the fibers are interwoven with one another and/or with the carrier woven by means of a large number of loops which are produced.

The support element having one or more felt structures preferably has a mass per unit area (also called grammage or basis weight) of between 100 and 1500 grams per square meter, particularly preferably of between 200 and 1350 grams per square meter, and very particularly preferably of substantially 1000-1300 grams per square meter, and most preferably 1100-1200 grams per square meter, for producing tea and coffee, espresso or the like. The filter element or the web preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 and 6.0 millimeters, particularly preferably of between 1.1 and 4.5 millimeters, and very particularly preferably of between 4.0 and 4.4 millimeters, for producing tea and coffee etc.

According to a preferred or a further subject matter of the present invention, the filter element, that is to say the web or the felt material for example, is connected, in particular by welding, for example using ultrasound or by adhesive bonding, to the side wall of the portion capsule or to the collar edge before the capsule body is filled with the beverage or foodstuff base.

The filter element is preferably connected, in particular by welding, for example using ultrasound or by adhesive bonding, to the collar edge of the portion capsule, that is to say to the flange of the portion capsule which projects in particular horizontally from the side wall preferably before the capsule body is filled with the beverage or foodstuff base. To this end, the outer edge of the filter element is preferably likewise designed as a flange which rests on the collar edge of the portion capsule. The diameter of the filter element is preferably equal to or smaller than, in particular slightly smaller than, the outer diameter of the collar edge. In this embodiment, the cover film or foil is preferably connected, for example by adhesive bonding or welding, to the filter element, in particular to the edge region of said filter element. The cover film or foil can be connected to the filter element at the same time as or with a time delay with respect to the time at which the filter element and portion capsule are connected, wherein the filter element is preferably first connected to the portion capsule, and the cover film or foil is then attached to the filter element. The person skilled in the art was extremely surprised to unexpectedly find that this embodiment can be hermetically sealed too.

The filter element is preferably provided at a distance from the capsule base, that is to say said filter element does not touch the capsule base at least before the liquid acts on the base. The filter element particularly preferably never touches the capsule base. This embodiment has the advantage that the filter element cannot be damaged when the portion capsule is pierced.

The side wall of the filter element is preferably configured in the form of a cylinder or truncated cone and has, for example, a substantially planar, elliptical or semi-spherical base. In particular, the side wall preferably has a stamping which increases the surface of said side wall. By way of example, the side wall is configured in a corrugated or zigzag manner. Before the liquid is supplied to the portion capsule, the side wall of the filter element preferably bears at least not fully against the side wall of the portion capsule, wherein the pressure of the liquid particularly preferably increases the contact area of the side wall of the filter element against the side wall of the portion capsule. The base of the filter element is preferably lifted in the process.

The capsule body is preferably in the form of a truncated cone or cylinder and is produced, for example, from plastic, a natural material and/or a biologically degradable material and/or a metal material comprising a thermoformed plastic film or using a plastic injection-molding process. The material from which the capsule body is produced can be provided in several layers. The capsule body preferably or according to the invention has, on the filling side, a collar edge onto which a cover film or foil is directly or indirectly sealed or adhesively bonded. As an alternative, it is feasible for the capsule body and a capsule cover to be connected to one another by means of a mechanical method. The base of the portion capsule is preferably closed and is preferably first perforated in the brewing chamber by means of a perforation means for producing an outlet opening, said perforation means acting on the portion capsule base from the outside. However, another feasible alternative would be for the base of the portion capsule to already be provided with an outlet opening at the factory, said outlet opening preferably being sealed off by means of a sealing film or foil. The sealing film or foil can then be perforated, for example, by means of the perforation means or can be pulled off from the capsule base by hand. The filter element is preferably of tear-resistant design. The sealing film or foil is preferably a plastic film which has at least one barrier layer, for example a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer or an aluminum oxide layer. As an alternative, the sealing film or foil used may be a purely plastic film with a barrier layer for the aroma substance of the beverage which is to be produced. The plastic film preferably has a “peel-off layer” on its side facing the capsule in order to be able to remove the plastic film from the capsule base comparatively easily.

The outlet opening is preferably so large that it can receive a perforation means, which may be present, without contact. The outlet opening is particularly preferably so large that it exhibits no appreciable pressure loss when the ready beverage flows out, in particular that there is no appreciable eddying of the ready beverage which could lead to air being introduced into the beverage and therefore to the formation of foam.

As an alternative, the material of the capsule base bears against the piercing means after the piercing operation. The ready beverage runs between the piercing means and the material into the capsule. This creates a deliberate pressure loss and/or deliberate eddying which produce a “crema” for coffee.

According to a further preferred subject matter of the present invention, provision is made for the filter element to be of elastic design. When the capsule base is pierced by an external perforation means, the filter element can, when contact is made with the perforation means, yield or be stretched, on account of its elasticity, in such a way that perforation of the filter element is prevented. This eliminates the risk of the filter element being completely perforated by the perforation means and beverage substance being washed out of the portion capsule without being filtered.

A fixed spacing between the filter element and the capsule base is preferred.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the filter element to be stretched, tapped and/or pierced by the perforation means.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the filter element to be attached to the capsule body or to the collar edge, wherein the filter element is preferably attached by sealing or adhesive bonding. This advantageously prevents the filter element in the portion capsule from slipping. This further prevents the liquid from undesirably flowing around the filter element. This attachment is preferably carried out by means of ultrasonic welding.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the capsule base to have a protrusion in a direction opposing the filling side. The protrusion advantageously serves to accommodate the perforation means, so that when the perforation means punctures the capsule base, the capsule base is perforated in the region of the protrusion but the perforation means then remains in the cavity in the protrusion. This prevents perforation of the filter element. In particular, it is not necessary for the filter element to be lifted off by the perforation means in this embodiment.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the filter element to be formed in such a way that, when the capsule base is perforated by an external perforation means, the filter element is at least partially lifted off from the capsule base. This effectively prevents perforation of the filter element by the perforation means.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the capsule base permanently has an outlet opening which is preferably sealed off by a film or foil, wherein the film or foil particularly preferably has a pull-off tab for pulling off the film or foil by hand. Perforation of the capsule base by means of an external perforation means is advantageously unnecessary in this case. Before the portion capsule is inserted into the brewing chamber, the film or foil is simply pulled off the capsule base by means of the pull-off tab and the brewing process can be started. Combining a prefabricated and therefore comparatively large outlet opening with a filter element comprising a nonwoven fiber material, in particular a web, felt, in particular needle felt, has the advantage that the beverage liquid does not flow out of the outlet opening under high pressure and therefore the formation of foam (“crema”), in particular when producing coffee or tea, is prevented.

A further preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule in which the filter element has a filter region and a connecting region, wherein the connecting region is provided in a manner angled away from the filter region.

When brewing the beverage and/or when producing the foodstuff, hot water generally flows through the portion capsule, said hot water extracting the first component and at least partially dissolving the second component. In order to improve the extraction of the first component and the dissolution of the second component, the portion capsule preferably has a liquid distributor which slows down a jet of water entering the portion capsule and/or distributes the water entering the portion capsule over the entire cross section of said portion capsule. The liquid distributor is provided between the liquid inlet into the portion capsule and the beverage or foodstuff base. The liquid distributor is preferably provided in a displaceable manner in the portion capsule, in particular parallel to the rotation axis of the portion capsule. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during brewing of the beverage which is to be produced, water flows into the portion capsule and displaces the distribution element in the direction of the beverage or foodstuff base and, in the process, particularly preferably compresses the base or bears against the base, even if the volume of said base has been reduced on account of the second component dissolving.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter and/or the distribution element are provided with a flavor component, for example an aroma substance. This flavor/aroma substance is dissolved and/or desorbed by the inflowing liquid during production of the beverage or foodstuff and as a result contributes to improving the quality of the resulting beverage or foodstuff. The flavor/aroma substance can be associated with the filter and/or with the distribution element as a solid and/or as a liquid. By way of example, the flavor/aroma substance is present in the form of an oil which is added to the flavor/aroma substance and/or which the flavor/aroma substance naturally possesses.

A further subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage using a portion capsule as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which method the soluble component is dissolved before the extraction of the carrier substance is terminated.

The statements made in respect of this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subjects of the present invention, and vice versa. Features of this subject matter of the present invention can be combined with the features of other subjects.

According to the invention, the soluble component is dissolved before or during extraction of the carrier substance. The method according to the invention has the result that only some of the soluble component which is preferably provided between the particles of the carrier substance are initially dissolved. In the process, the pressure loss in the particulate beverage or foodstuff base preferably at least temporarily drops.

The particle size distribution of the soluble component and/or of the carrier substance and/or the distribution of the soluble component in the carrier substance is preferably provided such that the process of dissolving the soluble component, in particular the soluble coffee, is terminated after less than 30% by volume, preferably less than 25% by volume and particularly preferably less than 20% by volume, of the selected throughflow through the portion capsule.

The median particle size distribution Dv₅₀ of the carrier substance is preferably greater than the median particle size distribution of the soluble component. The Dv₅₀ value of the carrier substance is particularly preferably between 375-575 μm, and very particularly preferably the Dv₅₀ value of the soluble component is <500 μm.

The dry residue in the produced beverage or foodstuff, in particular the produced coffee beverage, is preferably 30-40% by weight based on the weight of the carrier material contained in the portion capsule and the soluble component.

The dry residue based on the brewing quantity is preferably 8-12% by weight, preferably 9-11% by weight.

A further subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing the portion capsule according to the invention, in which method the cavity is filled with a pulverulent carrier substance which is to be extracted and a soluble solids component at the same time, and is then closed by a cover, in particular by a cover film or foil.

The statements made in respect of this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subjects of the present invention, and vice versa. Features of this subject matter of the present invention can be combined with the features of other subjects.

If coffee powder is the carrier substance and soluble coffee particles are the soluble component, wherein the coffee powder is produced by grinding coffee beans, the soluble coffee particles are preferably mixed with the coffee powder during the coffee bean grinding process. This produces a homogeneous mixture between the coffee powder and the soluble coffee particles and/or the soluble coffee particles are likewise comminuted. The person skilled in the art was extremely surprised to unexpectedly find that the soluble coffee particles do not have a negative effect on the degree of grinding of the coffee beans. The soluble coffee particles are added to the grinder in the desired weight and/or volume ratio. Grinding preferably takes place in the presence of an inert gas, for example CO₂.

The soluble coffee particles are particularly preferably added to the grinder separately from the coffee beans.

After grinding, the coffee powder is delivered to a degassing vessel in which the ground coffee can be degassed. The soluble coffee is preferably added to the coffee powder as said coffee powder is transported downstream from the grinder. This can take place as an alternative or in addition to the addition of the soluble coffee particles to the grinder. The addition is preferably performed in a positively driven conveyor, for example a worm or a paddle conveyor, which delivers a specific volume or a specific mass of coffee powder per unit time. An exact volume and/or weight ratio between the coffee powder and the soluble coffee component can be set as a result. The two components are particularly preferably mixed, in particular are mixed by a delivery element. Delivery can also be performed under an inert gas.

As an alternative or in addition, the soluble coffee particles are added to the coffee powder in a degassing vessel, for example as the coffee powder trickles into the degassing vessel.

The soluble coffee particles and the coffee powder are particularly preferably mixed in a degassing vessel and/or the mixture comprising the soluble coffee particles and the coffee powder is homogenized after the degassing vessel has been filled or as the degassing vessel is being filled. In the process, the entire degassing vessel is, for example, moved, for example rotated or shaken. This preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that neither the coffee powder nor the soluble coffee particles come into contact with air, and therefore with oxygen, during the mixing process.

A filter element is preferably provided on the capsule base.

An opening which is closed by a film or foil is preferably provided in the capsule base.

After the portion capsule has been filled with the particulate beverage or foodstuff base and a distribution element has possibly been provided in the portion capsule, the capsule body is closed by a cover film or foil. The distribution element distributes the entering liquid at least partially over the cross section of the portion capsule and/or breaks up the jet of entering liquid, with the result that the beverage or foodstuff base is not eddied. The liquid distributor particularly preferably holds the beverage or foodstuff base in its position and/or even under a certain pressure.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and an example and are explained in greater detail in the following description. The figures and the example are described merely by way of example and do not restrict the general concept of the invention. The description applies to all subjects of the present invention in equal measure.

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a portion capsule according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which portion capsule is designed for the purpose of preparing an espresso.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a portion capsule, which is situated in a closed brewing chamber, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a portion capsule, which is situated in a closed brewing chamber, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b show schematic sectional views through a portion capsule according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b show schematic sectional views through a portion capsule according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b show schematic plan views of a capsule base of a portion capsule according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view through a portion capsule according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a-c show different embodiments of the filter element comprising felt, in particular needle felt.

FIG. 9 shows the method according to the invention for producing a portion capsule.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The portion capsule 1 comprises a capsule body 2 which is in the form of a truncated cone here and has a closed capsule base 3 and has a collar edge 5 which is arranged on the filling side 4 of said capsule body and to which a cover film or foil 6 is welded or adhesively bonded. Therefore, a cavity 100, which is preferably closed off in an air- and aroma-tight manner, is formed between the capsule base 3 and the cover film or foil 6, said cavity being filled with a particulate beverage or foodstuff base 101. According to the invention, the beverage base 101 comprises a carrier substance, which is to be extracted, and a soluble component. The carrier substance which is to be extracted comprises ground coffee beans in the present case. The soluble component is instant coffee and/or instant milk. A filter element 7, for example comprising a nonwoven fiber material, can be arranged on the inner side 3 a of the closed capsule body base 3, that is to say within the cavity 100. If a filter element is provided, it at least partially retains the carrier substance, and therefore said carrier substance is not a constituent part of the beverage/foodstuff which is to be produced. If no filter element is provided, at least a portion of the solids is washed out of the portion capsule and is a constituent part of the beverage which is to be produced. The filter element 7 which may be present is situated either loosely on the inner side 3 a of the capsule body base 3 or is firmly, that is to say preferably cohesively, connected to the inner side 3 a of the capsule body base 3. In the second variant, the filter element 7 which may be present is attached in a cohesive manner to the capsule base 3, in particular only in an edge region 3′ of the capsule base 3. The filter element which may be present preferably comprises a web material which is produced from fine polyester fibers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion capsule 1 according to the first embodiment, which is illustrated in FIG. 1, of the present invention, wherein the portion capsule 1 in FIG. 2 is arranged in a closed brewing chamber 8. The brewing chamber 8 comprises a first brewing chamber element 9 and a second brewing chamber element 10, wherein the first brewing chamber element 9 is provided for the purpose of inserting the portion capsule 1 such that it can move in relation to the second brewing chamber element 10, or vice versa. A seal 11 is arranged between the two brewing chamber elements 9, 10. The first brewing chamber element 9 substantially comprises a closing piston 12 with puncturing elements 13 a, 13 b for opening the cover film or foil 6 of the portion capsule 1, a preparation liquid supply means 14 and the seal 11. The second brewing chamber element 10 substantially comprises a brewing chamber bell 15 which partially surrounds the portion capsule 1 and has an opening mandrel 16 which is arranged on the base of the brewing chamber bell 15 and is provided with discharge grooves 17, and a beverage discharge means 18. For the purpose of accommodating the portion capsule 1, the brewing chamber 8 is in an open state (not illustrated), in which the first and the second brewing chamber element 9, 10 are spaced apart from one another in order to ensure supply of the portion capsule 1, and in the illustrated closed state, in which a preparation process for producing a beverage using the portion capsule 1 can be carried out. In the closed state, the brewing chamber 8 is closed off in a pressure-tight manner. When the brewing chamber 8 is moved from the open state to the depicted closed state, the cover film or foil 6 is pierced by the puncturing elements 13 a, 13 b, so that preparation liquid, in particular hot brewing water, passes through the preparation liquid supply means 14 under pressure and into the cavity 100 in the portion capsule 1. Furthermore, when the brewing chamber 8 is closed, the capsule base 3 is perforated by the perforation means, which is in the form of an opening mandrel 16, and therefore an outlet opening 107 is produced in the portion capsule 1, it being possible for the produced beverage liquid to leave the portion capsule 1 in the direction of the beverage discharge means 18 through said outlet opening. In order to assist discharge of the beverage liquid, the opening mandrel 16 has the discharge grooves 17 on its casing surface. In the illustration, the base 3 of the portion capsule 1, which is located in the brewing chamber 9, 10, is pierced by the opening mandrel 16 of the second brewing chamber element, but the filter element 7, which may be situated above the puncturing point, is slightly raised by the puncturing spike 19 of the opening mandrel. 16 but not pierced. This is achieved, in particular, by the central region 7″ not being cohesively connected to the capsule base 3 but the filter element 7 which may be present being cohesively connected to the capsule base 3 only in the edge region 3′ of the capsule base 3, so that it is raised only from the capsule base 3 as a result of the mechanical contact with the spike of the opening mandrel 16 and therefore remains unperforated (that is to say is not perforated by the opening mandrel 16). As an alternative or in addition, the filter element which may be present is formed by thermoforming such that it is raised from the capsule base at the puncturing point. The capsule base 3 and the filter element 7 which may be present remain in contact with one another and, in particular, are cohesively connected to one another in the edge region 3′ of the capsule base 3 and in the edge region 7′ of the filter element 7 which may be present, and therefore no beverage or foodstuff base 101 enters the beverage discharge 18 around the filter element 7. The capsule base 3 optionally has, at its central point 106 in which the capsule base 3 is perforated by the opening mandrel 16, a predetermined breaking point 104, and therefore a comparatively blunt opening mandrel 16 is sufficient for perforating the capsule base 3 and therefore the risk of the filter element 7 which may be present also being accidently perforated by the opening mandrel 16 is eliminated.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion capsule 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second embodiment substantially resembles the first embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 2, and the portion capsule 1 is likewise illustrated in a closed brewing chamber 8. However, in contrast to the first embodiment, the portion capsule base 3 has, in the puncturing region of the opening mandrel. 16, a protrusion 21 which is directed toward a recess 20 in the brewing chamber base 3 a (the protrusion 21 is therefore directed in a direction which opposes the filling side 4) and which the opening mandrel 16 enters, without piercing the filter element 7 which may be present in the process. Therefore, it is, in particular, not necessary to lift off the filter element 7 which may be present from the capsule base 3. In order to produce the beverage, the brewing chamber 8 is closed again after the portion capsule 1 is inserted into the brewing chamber 8. During the closing process, the cover film or foil 6 of the portion capsule 1 is perforated by means of the puncturing means 13 a, 13 b and, after the first and the second brewing chamber element 9, 10 are brought together and sealed (by means of the seal 11), brewing water is made available via the liquid inlet 6. The opening mandrel 16 likewise makes an opening in the base 3 of the portion capsule 1 during the closing process of the brewing chamber. The thickness and the tear strength of the filter element 7, which may be present and is situated above the puncturing point and is obtained by thermoforming, are matched to the penetration depth of the puncturing spike 19 of the opening mandrel 16, and therefore the filter element 7 which may be present is not pierced. As an alternative, the filter element 7 which may be present is situated above the protrusion 21 of the capsule base 3, which protrusion is situated in the recess in the brewing bell base 23, and the opening mandrel 16 enters only the protrusion 21 of the capsule base 3 and does not reach the filter element 7 which may be present. The liquid, for example hot water when coffee is being produced, then flows into the capsule 1. In the capsule, this liquid flows through the beverage or foodstuff base 101 and extracts and dissolves the substances, which are required to produce the beverage, from the beverage or foodstuff base 101. The flow of the liquid in the beverage or foodstuff base 101 is illustrated by reference symbol 22. The resulting beverage then flows through the filter element 7 which is arranged between the beverage or foodstuff base 101 and the on the capsule base 3, this preventing constituents of the beverage or foodstuff base 101 entering the resulting beverage in particulate form and further entering a collection vessel, for example a cup or pot, via the opening made in the capsule base 3 by the opening mandrel 16 and via the discharge grooves 17 in the opening mandrel 16. However, provision is also made according to the invention for there to be no filter element. In this case, particulate carrier substances are desired in the beverage/foodstuff.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate schematic sectional views through a portion capsule 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present case, the filter element which may be present is preferably manufactured from a nonwoven fiber material and particularly preferably thermoformed, that is to say the originally flat fiber material of the filter element is changed to a three-dimensional form. In the present case, this filter element is connected to the collar edge 5 of the capsule body in the edge region 7′ of said filter element. This connection can be made, for example, by sealing or adhesive bonding. On account of this filter element 7 being attached to the collar edge of the capsule body, a clearance is provided between the central region 7″ of the filter element and the filter base 3, it being possible for a puncturing mandrel 16 to enter said clearance when the portion capsule is pierced, without the filter element being pierced. In any event, the central region 7″ of the filter element is deformed by the piercing mandrel on account of the elasticity of said filter element. The portion capsule is preferably closed by a cover film or foil 6 which is, particularly preferably, connected to the edge region of the filter element, for example by sealing or adhesive bonding.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate schematic sectional views through a portion capsule 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein reference is made to the statements made in respect of the third embodiment (cf. FIGS. 4 a, 4 b). In the present case, the edge region 7′ of the filter element which may be present is connected to the side wall of the capsule body, for example by sealing or adhesive bonding. In the present case, the cover film or foil 6 is connected directly to the collar edge of the capsule body. In other respects, reference is made to the statements made in respect of FIGS. 4 a, 4 b. In the present case, the filter element is likewise preferably thermoformed.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 7 illustrate a sectional view through a portion capsule 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment substantially resembles the first embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 1, but can also be combined with any other embodiment which is illustrated. The portion capsules 1 of the seventh embodiment is equipped with a permanent outlet opening 107 in the capsule base 3, said outlet opening being sealed by the film or foil 108 in the starting state. Therefore, the portion capsule 1 does not have predetermined breaking points. In this case, the film or foil 108 likewise has a pull-off tab 109 for pulling off the film or foil 108 by hand. The capsule base 3 is not perforated by means of an external perforation means 16. Instead, the portion capsule 1 is inserted into the brewing chamber 8, the film or foil 108 is simply pulled off from the capsule base 3 by means of the pull-off tab 109 and the brewing process can then be started directly and without perforation of the capsule base 3. The outlet opening is preferably of such a size that, when liquid flows through it, there is no or only very little pressure loss. As a result, the resulting beverage, for example the coffee, does not have any crema or has only a small amount of crema.

FIGS. 8 a-c show different embodiments of a filter element 7 which may be present and has a felt structure 7.1, in particular a needle felt structure. This filter element 7 preferably has a carrier structure 7.2, for example a woven structure. A felt structure 7.1 is arranged on and/or in this woven structure 7.2 over the entire surface which faces the beverage or foodstuff base, for example connected to said woven structure by needle felting, as illustrated in FIG. 8 a.

The embodiment according to FIG. 8 b has two felt structures 7.1 and 7.3 which are each arranged on and/or in the carrier structure. The two structures preferably extend over the entire cross section, that is to say, in this case, the entire circular surface, of the filter element. The felt structures 7.1 and 7.3 can be of identical or different thickness. The felt structure 7.1 is preferably thinner than the layer 7.3, or vice versa. The carrier layer is thus offset in relation to the center, with respect to the thickness, of the filter element. The structures 7.1 and 7.3 can be produced from different materials or the same material. These relate not only to the substance from which they are produced but also the thread diameter and/or the thread length from which the felt structures are manufactured. A carrier structure 7.2 is provided between the two structures 7.1 and 7.3, said carrier structure not containing a felt structure or only a small felt structure and preferably permitting transverse flow.

FIG. 8 c shows yet another embodiment of a filter element with a felt structure. In the present case, two filter elements 7 with a felt structure are arranged one above the other, as has been described, for example, according to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b. The filter elements 7 can only lie one on the other or be connected to one another. However, the filter elements 7 can also comprise only felt, without a carrier structure.

FIG. 9 schematically shows the method according to the invention for producing a portion capsule, wherein only the production of the base is schematically illustrated here. In the present case, a portion capsule for producing a coffee beverage, that is to say for example coffee or espresso with or without crema, is produced. The particulate beverage or foodstuff base is accordingly coffee powder as the carrier substance which is to be extracted and soluble coffee particles as the soluble component. The coffee powder is produced from whole roasted beans 24 which are ground in a grinder 26. According to a first embodiment, the soluble coffee particles, also called instant coffee particles, are added to the grinder, in particular separately from the coffee beans, for example by a side arm. During grinding, the coffee powder and the soluble coffee particles are thoroughly mixed, preferably to form a completely homogeneous mixture. The soluble coffee particles can also be comminuted in the process. The two components are added to the grinder with the desired volume and/or weight ratio. As an alternative or in addition, the soluble coffee particles can also be added during delivery of the coffee powder 24 or the mixture 24 from the grinder to a degassing vessel 29. By way of example, the soluble coffee particles 25 are added to a delivery element 28, for example a worm or a paddle conveyor, which preferably also mixes the two components in addition to delivering them. A positively driven conveyor, which delivers a specific volume and/or a certain quantity of coffee powder 24 or mixture 24, is preferred. A desired volume and/or weight ratio can be set as a result. Both grinding and delivery can be performed under a protective gas, for example CO₂. The coffee powder or the mixture comprising coffee powder and soluble coffee particles then trickles into a degassing vessel. The soluble coffee particles can likewise be metered into said degassing vessel first or as a supplement. Once the vessel has been filled, it is closed again and, according to a preferred embodiment, then moved, for example rotated and/or shaken, in order to mix the two components or to improve mixing of the two components. This preferred embodiment has the advantage that no oxygen enters the mixture during mixing.

EXAMPLE

As carrier substance, 8 grams of coffee powder with a Dv₅₀ of 550 μm were homogeneously mixed with one gram of instant coffee with a Dv₅₀ of 400 μm and then filled into a portion capsule body which had a felt mat as the filter element on its base. The portion capsule body was then closed by a cover film or foil, by the cover film or foil being sealed to the capsule body. The portion capsule was then inserted into an automatic coffee machine, tapped and then supplied with water at a temperature of 92°-98° C. under a pressure of 17-19 bar.

The ready coffee beverage was collected every 15 seconds and the dry residue was in each case determined from the collected sample. A Sartorius LMA 200 PM machine was used for this process.

The results of the measurement are summarized in the following table.

Actual Dry weight of Brewing Dry residue sample taken quantity residue in % 9.000 51.08 2.52 28.01 9.000 60.43 0.38 4.26 9.000 58.07 0.14 1.52 9.000 63.78 0.12 1.38 9.000 75.73 0.12 1.27 309.09 3.28 36.44

The dry residue in % is the quotient of the dry residue and the weight of the sample taken.

The results show that the soluble instant coffee had already completely dissolved out from the mixture after 15 seconds or a throughflow of 51.08 ml.

The total dry residue was 36.44% of the weight of the sample taken of 9 grams of the mixture.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Portion capsule -   2 Capsule body -   3 Capsule base -   3 a Inner side of the capsule base -   3′ Edge region of the capsule base -   4 Filling side -   5 Collar edge -   6 Cover, cover film or foil -   7 Filter element -   7′ Edge region of the filter element -   7″ Central region of the filter element -   7.1 Felt structure, needle felt structure -   7.2 Carrier structure -   7.3 Felt structure, needle felt structure -   8 Brewing chamber -   9 First brewing chamber element -   10 Second brewing chamber element -   11 Seal -   12 Closing piston -   13 a Puncturing element -   13 b Puncturing element -   14 Preparation liquid supply means -   15 Brewing bell -   16 Opening mandrel -   17 Discharge grooves -   18 Discharge means -   19 Puncturing spike -   20 Recess -   21 Recess/protrusion -   22 Preparation liquid flow -   23 Brewing bell base -   24 Coffee beans -   25 Soluble coffee, instant coffee -   26 Grinder -   27 Mass flow of coffee powder or mixture comprising coffee powder     and soluble coffee -   28 Delivery means, for example worm -   29 Degassing vessel -   30 Movement means for the degassing vessel -   100 Cavity -   101 Beverage or foodstuff base -   102 Side wall region -   103′ Recess, corrugated or folded region -   106 Central point -   107 Opening, outlet opening -   108 Film or foil -   109 Pull-off tab 

What is claimed is: 1-23. (canceled)
 24. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body with a capsule base and a cover, wherein a cavity in which a particulate beverage or foodstuff base is provided is located between the capsule base and the cover, the beverage or foodstuff base comprising a coffee powder carrier substance and a soluble component of instant coffee, characterized in that the Dv₅₀ of the carrier substance is greater than the Dv₅₀ of the soluble component.
 25. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the coffee powder and the soluble coffee are provided in a weight ratio of 10:1-10:3.
 26. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a filter and/or liquid distribution element is provided in the cavity.
 27. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the filter and/or a distribution element is provided with a flavor component.
 28. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a filter element having a web and/or a felt structure is provided in the cavity.
 29. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a filter element is provided in the cavity and is of an elastic design.
 30. The portion capsule as claimed claim 24, characterized in that a filter element is provided in the cavity and the filter element is ultrasonically sealed to the capsule base, the capsule body or to a collar edge of the capsule.
 31. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the cover is a cover film or foil which is sealed to a collar edge.
 32. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the capsule base has an opening which is sealed off by a film or foil, wherein the film or foil has a pull-off tab for pulling off the film or foil by hand.
 33. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a liquid distribution element is provided in a displaceable manner in the portion capsule.
 34. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, during brewing of the beverage which is to be produced, water flows into the portion capsule and displaces the liquid distribution element in the direction of the beverage or foodstuff base.
 35. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that a filter and is provided in the cavity and the filter element is of an elastic design.
 36. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 35, characterized in that the capsule base has an opening which is sealed off by a film or foil, wherein the film or foil has a pull-off tab for pulling off the film or foil by hand.
 37. A method for producing a coffee beverage using a portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that because the Dv₅₀ of the carrier substance is greater than the Dv₅₀ of the soluble component that is provided, the soluble component is dissolved before the extraction of the carrier substance is terminated.
 38. The method as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that the process of dissolving the soluble component is terminated after less than 30% by volume of the selected throughflow through the portion capsule.
 39. The method as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that the pressure loss at least temporarily falls during the production of the beverage.
 40. A method for producing a portion capsule as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the method includes the steps of filling the cavity with a pulverulent coffee carrier substance which is to be extracted and a soluble solids component at the same time, and then closing the cavity with a cover film or foil, wherein the coffee powder is produced by grinding coffee beans and the soluble coffee is mixed with the coffee powder during grinding of the coffee beans.
 41. The method as claimed in claim 40, characterized in that an opening which is closed by a film or foil is provided in the capsule base. 